NEW DELHI: A dense layer of smog blanketed large parts of Delhi-NCR on Sunday. According to real-time readings shared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Air Quality Index (AQI) levels remained in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category at several locations.
India Gate and Kartavya Path recorded an AQI of '381', while Anand Vihar and Ghazipur touched '438'. At ITO, the AQI stood at '405' on Sunday morning.According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Footage shared from India Gate, ITO and Ghazipur showed dense grey smog limiting visibility. The haze extended across arterial stretches, including those near Kartavya Path.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had activated all measures under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR, reserved for the most severe air pollution episodes.According to PTI, multiple flights and trains experienced delays due to dense fog on Sunday.
IMD scientist RK Jenamani said winds failed to lift the fog layer, keeping temperatures low. “Similar conditions prevailed in December 2019 when the maximum temperature dipped sharply on December 17 and 18,” he said.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for parts of the capital for Sunday, warning of dense to very dense fog and cold-day conditions. Visibility is expected to remain low during early morning hours, while the maximum temperature is likely to stay between 16°C and 18°C.The Met department’s classification places visibility under 50 metres as ‘very dense fog’, 50-200 metres as ‘dense fog’, and 200-500 metres as ‘moderate fog’.Minimum temperatures dipped to 6.1°C on Saturday, two degrees below normal. Night-time temperatures are forecast to hover between 7°C and 9°C through Sunday.
"Early-morning fog is expected to affect visibility across Delhi and parts of northern India. During these hours, visibility can reduce suddenly, impacting flight operations. Our teams will remain fully prepared through the night, monitoring the weather minute by minute.We understand that waiting is never easy, and we truly appreciate your patience through these seasonal disruptions. Before leaving for the airport, we recommend checking the latest flight status via https://bit.ly/3ZWAQXd. If your flight is impacted, you may conveniently choose another option or claim a refund via https://goindigo.in/plan-b.html. We will remain vigilant and will do everything we can to keep your journey moving smoothly.
Thank you for your patience and understanding," the airline said in a statement.
Over 500 flights were delayed and 138 cancelled at Delhi airport on Saturday. Delhi Airport initiated low-visibility procedures during the early hours as conditions deteriorated.On Saturday, Delhi registered the season’s first “cold day”, with maximum temperatures dipping sharply. Safdarjung recorded 16.9°C, five degrees below normal, while Palam logged 16.3°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said both stations met the conditions for declaring a cold day. Visibility dropped to 200 metres at Safdarjung from 3am, and remained between 200 and 400 metres for nearly 10 hours before marginal improvement.
Dense fog across northern India has affected aviation through the week. On 17 December, more than 800 flights were delayed and 200 cancelled, officials said. On Friday, over 700 delays were recorded alongside 177 cancellations, including four international services. Transport authorities have urged caution for road travel as visibility remains unpredictable during late-night and early-morning hours. Experts warn the winter months could bring prolonged episodes of dense fog and toxic smog, as emissions combine with stagnant, cold air.